The problem gripping the nation is not who is saying what but what is being said. It is not the singer but the song being sung. More than how dirty the singer is, it is how truthful is the song.

The issue is gambling payola, garnishing appropriations, unexplained wealth.

The issue is not who was ordered to do wrong but who ordered it done. The question is who received the monies in question, more than who was their conduit.

The issue is the capacity to govern, the credibility of government, the perceptionof the goverened.

The issue is not even gross immorality, having cronies, distributing favors to allies.

The issue is PUBLIC OFFICE as a PUBLIC TRUST subject to public perception.
 

+OSCAR V. CRUZ, DD
   Archbishop
   28 October 2000

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